Flight operations across Nigeria were disrupted on Tuesday as staff of the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (Nimet) embarked on an indefinite strike, citing poor salaries and unmet welfare promises. The action, organized by the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE) and supported by the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), led to the suspension of vital weather services across the country.

At the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, striking workers staged demonstrations, holding placards and chanting slogans such as “No weather, no flight, fly at your own risk.” The protests drew attention to the suspension of weather updates essential for aviation safety. Amid concerns about heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, passengers were seen moving through the terminals, many visibly uneasy over the situation.

Reacting to the strike, Air Peace, one of the country’s leading airlines, announced the suspension of all its flight operations. The airline cited the unavailability of Current Nowcast of Hazardous Weather (CNH) reports, which are crucial for safe takeoffs and landings, especially during this volatile weather season. The airline noted that without reliable meteorological information, passenger safety could not be assured.

Speaking on the grievances behind the protest, Mrs. Ibiam Aderonke, Assistant Chief Meteorologist at Nimet’s Central Forecast Office, expressed frustration over the neglect of staff welfare. She revealed that some agency employees still earn as little as ₦28,000 a month—far below the minimum wage agreed upon in 2019, and nowhere near the proposed ₦70,000 currently under discussion. According to her, NiMet remains one of the most critical service providers under the Ministry of Aviation, yet the welfare of its staff has been grossly overlooked.

In Kano, the strike intensified as union members forcibly shut down the Nimet office and compelled staff to vacate the premises. Even the regional manager was locked out after resisting participation in the industrial action. Flight delays and passenger confusion followed, with many travelers left stranded.

Timothy Meshelia, the North West Zonal Chairman of AUPCTRE, stated that the union would not back down until the agency’s management addresses long-standing issues such as the implementation of salary relativity, payment of agreed allowances, and adjustment to reflect current economic realities. He stressed that the strike was a necessary measure to push for lasting solutions to the financial hardship faced by staff.

As of the time of reporting, there has been no official comment or intervention from the Federal Government or the Ministry of Aviation. The ongoing strike continues to raise concerns over the safety and stability of Nigeria’s aviation sector, while also spotlighting deeper issues around public sector labor relations and compensation.